Rihanna premieres new clothing line at New York Fashion Week

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Rihanna may have canceled a performance at the Grammys, but on Feb. 12 she performed for another audience as she walked the runway after the showing of her FENTY x Puma collection. The singer has previously collaborated with the athletic brand, but this show was her debut presentation at New York Fashion Week.

Out of a smoky fog, male and female models appeared, walking the mirrored runway that was lined with dark, leafless trees. The collection features unisex pieces with the styling relies heavily on layering and playing with proportions.

Much of the collection was oversized and unstructured. Sweatshirts hung sloppily off shoulders and lengthy sleeves swayed well past models’ hands as they stomped along in thigh high, lace-up creepers and stiletto sneakers — details that make sense for a collection designed by Rihanna.

Her “off-duty” looks captured by paparazzi and in Instagram photos show a style that can only be described as “effortless,” and FENTY x Puma’s strength lies in the attitude of the pieces. It is a collection of statement-making streetwear, and although some of Puma’s athleticism can certainly be found, Japanese street style and gothic fashion are more apparent influences in the looks.

The color palette was primarily made up of black, white and gray, with a pop of color only found in the forms of a yellow pair of sneaker-inspired stiletto booties, and the graphic of the solid red circle of the Japanese flag on the back of two hoodies. Fur was the most prevalently used texture.

Coats, sweatshirts, fanny packs and backpacks were all shown in full-fur, and also made for some of the most memorable pieces of the collection. Other standouts include sweatpants held together by suspenders from the mid-thigh to the knee, as well as the longline satin parkas and fur duster coats that made up the majority of the outerwear.

Along with her edgy style and devil-may-care attitude, Rihanna is known for showing plenty of skin, and she made no exceptions for FENTY x Puma. Slits ran to the top of the thigh on skirts and wide-legged pants, sheer black tops and dresses embellished with “PUMA” hid little. Sweatshirts were cropped high enough that more than the models’ torsos were exposed.

As for accessories, a variety of chokers were worn with many of the looks. Often covering the entire neck, some were adorned with crosses, while others were plain black or white with the letter “P”. Sheer, thigh-high stockings featured Japanese writing, garters displayed “PUMA” in bold print, and body harnesses were made from rosary beads. Runway hair and makeup stayed true to the colors of the collection with black lipstick and slicked back hair painted white.

FENTY x Puma as a collaboration is far more inspired by Rihanna than Puma. The collection follows the idea of athleisure, but the looks are created purely to be worn outside of the gym, and with a mix of sportswear and sex appeal, the line will please both Rihanna’s loyal music and fashion fans alike.

Staples of Rihanna’s collection

Black and white color palette

The pieces in the FENTY x Puma collection all followed a black, white and gray color palette with minimal exceptions.

(DIANE BONDAREFF / AP)

Showing skin

Many of the pieces in the collection exposed the models skin, including this open-chested piece.

(DIANE BONDAREFF / AP)

Oversized clothing

The FENTY x Puma collection also featured many oversized pieces, including this large sweatshirt with Japanese writing on it.

(DIANE BONDAREFF / AP)

“Athletic” apparel

The collection is meant to follow the idea of athleisure, although none of the pieces would be appropriate for a trip to the gym.